Introduction
Ibsen used the letter as a symbol in "A Doll's House" to show that the truth is irreversible once it comes out as depicted in the play; as it can be seen at first, Krogstad received a letter from Helmer, which is supposed to reveal a cruel reality of his notice. Helmer's letter, in response, triggers Krogstad's note, the Krogstad letter shows Nora's life of secret and crime, which she hides from her husband (Ibsen n.p). The use of the letter as a symbol in the play emphasizes that once the truth is stated, it cannot be withdrawn, which is like sending a message. It shows the effects of the information on the lifestyles of the characters, which is irreversible.
The significant of Christmas tree and New Year Day and how are they symbol in the play.
Ibsen used the Christmas tree as a symbol for Nora and her inner conflict, which also symbolizes the mundane nature of Christmas. He uses familiar things like the Christmas season to set the scene of the story. Mostly she dressed up well and looks happy, but she is empty on the inside. Ibsen compares her to the tree because she can be dressed up and being destroyed as simple as the tree (Ibsen n.p). At the end of the play, the Christmas tree is damaged, which is relevant in that it compares to the forgery letter that is destroying Nora. He also used the New Year to symbolize a new beginning for all the characters in the play. For Nora now, she can explore a new carefree life away from Torvald and parental obligation. Nora is now free from a life of secrecy and lies.
What is Torvald's personality and what does nickname suggest about his attitude towards her.
In the play, Torvald depicts the qualities of Victorian husband. He does not view his wife as equal, and he feels obligated to protect, nurture, and guide his wife. He treats his wife as a child, and he expects total obedience from her; he also bans her from buying simple indulges. Torvald is also a hypocrite; he claims to be devoted to his wife, but sooner, the letter about her scandal is out he fails to come to her rescue (Ibsen n.p). The nicknames he gave to her wife suggest that he view himself superior in terms of emotional and intellectual in the household, and he never considers his wife as an equal partner in their marriage.
What is the setting and the time of the play, and also the role of men and women as exhibited in the show?
The setting of the play is in an unspecified city in Norway in a typical middle-class household during the winter season around the 1870s (Ibsen n.p). The period was called the Victorian Era, and it was between 1837 and 1901 since the period Queen Victoria took the throne until her death (Ibsen n.p). In this culture, the role of women is to do housework and take care of children. Also, they are supposed to show total obedience to their husbands. Men's purposes, as depicted in the play, is to provide for the family, and they require absolute obedience from their wives.
What is the relationship between Mrs. Linde and Nora? How is Mrs. Linde, a mentor to Nora?
There is a good relationship between the two characters. Every time Nora has a problem, she goes to Christine for advice. She even confides about her secret debt to her. Christine has a significant influence on Nora's maturity because Christine told her to let Torvald see the letter. Christine's advice to Nora is that she should be honest with her husband, and after an extended period, finally, Nora gets courage and told her husband, the truth (Ibsen n.p). If it were not for Christine's advice, Nora would not have come to her spiritual awakening.
Was Nora justified in taking out the loan? Should Nora have revealed the secret right away to Torvald?
Despite breaking the law, Nora was justified in taking the loan to cater to her husband's life. She tells her friend that his husband would have died if he had not gone for the trip to Italy. She explains that Torvald's life was in danger, and he needs the trip (Ibsen n.p). However, she was supposed to inform her husband about the loan so that he can take care of it.
